South Korean police raid KFA over Hong appointment probe

South Korean police raided the offices of the country's national football governing body on Thursday, August 6, 2026, as part of a criminal investigation into the 2024 appointment of former men's national team head coach Hong Myungbo. Authorities executed search and seizure operations at the Korea Football Association headquarters in Cheonan and its central Seoul office, seeking documents related to allegations of irregularities in the selection process.

The investigation focuses on suspicions of obstruction of business, examining whether senior KFA officials unfairly intervened in Hong's appointment in July 2024. Police are specifically looking into the roles of former federation chief Chung Mongkyu and former technical director Lee Limsaeng. Critics have alleged that Hong was hired without proper procedures, with Lee, who reportedly lacked authority over coaching appointments, offering Hong the job during a meeting at a bakery near Hong's home.

This police action follows South Korea's disappointing performance at the recent FIFA World Cup, where the team suffered a group-stage exit. The early tournament elimination reignited scrutiny over the federation's decision-making....